Following the snowstorm this week, which has kept Prince William County schools closed to students for four days, Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya McDade requested help from residents their help in removeing snow and ice from their neighborhood walkways and bus stops.
While McDade originally intended to open schools two hours late on Thursday; however, an onslaught of opposition from parents, teachers and local politicians convinced her to modify the school status Thursday evening to Code Green, which keeps schools closed to students and teachers for an additional day.
“Although PWCS is fully prepared to reopen, I have monitored the numerous concerns raised by families about community and neighborhood walkways that have still not been cleared, and these are valid concerns," she said.
In her message, McDade stressed the need for collaboration with communities to help return students to schools as soon as possible.
“Please be advised that the conditions of neighborhood walkways leading to bus stops will persist well into next week with the current temperatures,” McDade said. “Therefore, we are asking for your support in encouraging neighborhood associations and citizens to clear sidewalks and bus stops in your local community, which is beyond our control.”
However, community efforts are hampered by the layer of ice that has formed over much of the area’s snow due to persistent sub-freezing temperatures.
The Virginia Department of Transportation explained that they must use heavy machinery to break through the layer of ice to effectively remove the snow and ensure roads are safe to travel.
“Ice-breaking effort continues as crews battle below-freezing temperatures,” VDOT said in a press release. “Our crews reached more roads and neighborhoods on Wednesday, but work will continue this week to reach additional low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets.”
It is unclear if these conditions will encourage PWCS to close schools again on Friday, despite anticipated heavy absences from both students and staff.
“The decision to close schools is both challenging and consequential—and one that I do not take lightly,” she said. “I care about the well-being and safety of our students, families, and staff. We cannot remain closed until all the snow and ice have dissipated. We need your help in getting our students back in school as soon as possible," she said. "When schools are closed, the basic needs of many students go unmet. Our schools are safe havens for students in challenging situations."
Read Dr. McDade's announcement of Thursday's Code Green and a message to families.
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